Open Access

ARTICLE

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Surface Quality of Wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina Exposed to Outdoor Conditions

by Redžo Hasanagić^1,*, Umejr Šljivo¹, Leila Fathi², Pallavi Gautam³, Mohsen Bahmani^2,*, Miha Humar⁴

1 Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Technical Engineering, University of Bihać, Bihać, 77000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 Department of Wood and Furniture Industry Engineering, Faculty of Resources and Earth Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, 64165478, Iran
3 Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
4 Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 1501, Slovenia

* Corresponding Authors: Redžo Hasanagić. Email: ; Mohsen Bahmani. Email:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2024, 12(8), 1417-1431. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2024.052826

Received 16 April 2024; Accepted 19 June 2024; Issue published 06 September 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba) wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina under outdoor exposure. Samples were exposed for 3-month exposure to assess bending strength, color changes, and surface quality. Results showed outdoor exposure negatively affected mechanical properties, particularly in samples with extended finger joints, causing significant surface cracks in uncoated samples. Beech wood exhibited notable color changes under exposure, with approximately 50% darkening without coating compared to 25% under covered conditions. Coated samples displayed minimal color changes, affirming the efficacy of surface treatment. Fir wood exhibited a roughness of 8.264 μm, while beechwood average roughness increased from 6.767 to 13.916 μm after exposure, with micro-pore development affecting water performance. Microscopic analysis identified prevalent fungal colonies, including Penicillium, Aureobasidium, Sclerophoma, and Chaetomium, underscoring their role in organic matter decomposition. This study highlights the importance of wood exposure and treatment selection for various applications.

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